Botswana has claimed the title of best country for safaris for 2019, for the second year in a row.
The ranking was compiled by Safaribookings.com, which analysed over 4,000 reviews of safaris all over the continent to come to this conclusion. These reviews included those from guests who had visited the nominated countries and travel journalists, mainly guidebook writers who contribute regularly to Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt and Footprint.
Botswana was applauded for its alternating landscapes, shimmering waterways and profusion of elephants. Tanzania, the winner of the first-ever study in 2013, came in at a close second
Local knowledge on the Okavango Delta waterways is essential. Image: Guides know the best and most productive fishing spots. Image: Melanie van Zyl
‘It’s an understandable result given the unforgettable wildlife-viewing in Botswana, a country that epitomizes luxury in the bush and exclusive safari experiences,’ the website said in a statement, ‘the Okavango Delta is an iconic name as is the Kalahari Desert – these are big drawcards for visitors and both certainly live up to their safari-legend status.’
Botswana was also rated as the best country overall for wildlife, bird-watching and for its bush vibe.
South Africa came in 6th place, behind Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
‘A closer analysis of the results throws up a surprise: when broken down the results tell us that the industry experts rated Botswana the highest, but that there was a preference for Zimbabwe amongst safari-goers,’ said the website.
Image: Pixabay
